Chief Minister was away on business for pay strike forum

CHIEF Minister John Le Fondré has responded to criticism for not attending a Question-Time-style discussion on the teachers’ pay strike.

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On Wednesday, the National Education Union held the event in front of around 100 people to discuss the issues and update parents and teachers about the ongoing negotiations and industrial action.

Senator Le Fondré had received an invitation to attend and discuss the issues, but did not respond.

He was in London on business, with his commitments including an event at Buckingham Palace, when the pay-dispute forum took place.

Responding to the criticism, a spokeswoman for the Chief Minister explained that he was out of the Island from Tuesday meeting officials from China in London, and that he could not generally attend events at short notice.

She said: ‘The Chief Minister has been out of the Island since Tuesday. Senator Le Fondré was attending meetings with Charge d’Affaires Minister Wen Chen at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, and with officials from the Hong Kong Economic Trade Office and InvestHK.

‘He also attended an event at Buckingham Palace. Senator Le Fondré returned to Jersey yesterday for a political summit with the departmental council of Ille-et-Vilaine.

‘His diary is scheduled many weeks in advance and he cannot generally attend appointments requested at short notice.’